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 Welcome to the Health Promotion & Prevention Newsletter, released every two months by Marion County's Health Promotion & Prevention Team! In this newsletter, our team shares information, tips, news, and updates on community work being done to promote health and prevent disease in Marion County.
Help us spread awareness by sharing this newsletter with your friends and colleagues!
Awareness
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time to remember lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced thoughts of suicide, and support the many individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention efforts and share messages of hope.
The Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a toolkit of key messages and themes, social media shareables, and other materials for individuals and organizations to use throughout the month to share about suicide prevention. Click here to access the toolkit and find more information.
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September is National Recovery Month
Since 1989, National Recovery Month has been observed every September. It promotes and supports new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and honors the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible.
The Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) aims to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. To support this effort, it has released a toolkit with messaging, images, and other resources for individuals and organizations to share throughout the month. Click here to access the toolkit and find more information.
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World Mental Health Day – Friday, October 10th
World Mental Health Day is an internationally recognized day dedicated to education, awareness, and advocacy for mental health and the reduction of stigma. Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) invites individuals and organizations to share their work and highlight the importance of making mental health a worldwide priority. Visit this link to learn more about World Mental Health Day and find resources to support this cause.
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Upcoming Events
Hands Across the Bridge – Saturday, September 13th from 12-3 PM at Riverfront Park North Meadow and Pavilion in Salem
Hands Across the Bridge (HATB) is an annual gathering sponsored by the Recovery Outreach Community Center (ROCC). This event is dedicated to celebrating the journey of recovery from addiction and mental health obstacles, and honoring those who have lost their lives to addiction. The event will feature a community resource fair, live music, engaging speakers, a variety of vendors, and a dedicated children’s area. Admission is free and all ages are welcome!
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3rd Annual Behavioral Health Training Summit – September 15th-19th in Ashland, Oregon
The Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs (AOCMHP) is hosting their 3rd Annual Behavioral Health Training Summit at the Ashland Hills Hotel in Ashland, OR. This summit is dedicated to strengthening Oregon’s behavioral health workforce and supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. A variety of trainings will be offered, including the Mobile Crisis Foundational Training, Oregon Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (OCALM), Oregon Community CALM Conversations, ASIST, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and specialized mental health trainings. To register and view the complete schedule, click here.
Salem Out of the Darkness Walk – Saturday, October 11th at 11 AM at Riverfront Park Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Salem
Out of the Darkness Community Walks are held in hundreds of cities across the country every year. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to suicide prevention, and a platform to create a culture that is smarter about mental health. Additionally, this serves as the largest annual fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to fund suicide prevention research, training, and outreach. Friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and honoring the memory of those who have lost their lives to suicide. You can participate as an individual or a team – visit this link to register or donate to the Walk!
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Steps 2 Safety Domestic Violence Awareness 5k Walk/Run
The Center for Hope & Safety, in collaboration with the Marion County Domestic Violence Council, is hosting Steps 2 Safety 5k Walk/Run. We believe this event is more than just a race – it’s a way for our community to come together, raise awareness, and make a real impact in the lives of survivors and victims of domestic and sexual violence in our community… because everyone deserves a live free of violence!
This event is open to all ages and racers are encouraged to wear purple! Register today!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 11 at 9am
Location: Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR 97317
Cost: $0-35, includes race socks and finishing medal
Registration: Click here
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Suicide Prevention Trainings- Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR):
This training is designed for anyone to be trained on how to recognize the signs that someone might be in mental distress and how to get them help.
September 18th 5-7pm at Salem Health CHEC Center: Click here to register
September 18th 5:30-7:30 QPR presented by the Museum of Mental Health: Click here to register
Email: Kmartin@co.marion.or.us if you would like to set up a QPR class for your organization.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18.
October 11th 9am-5pm at The REC: Grange by Valor Mentoring- 441 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer OR 97303: Click here to register
Digital Dangers & Internet Safety for Youth
Check out these additional health promotion trainings and educational opportunities.
Know of another organization that provides great trainings? Share them with us at MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us.
OHA is marking the third anniversary of 988 with two significant milestones: the launch of a new data dashboard to track usage and demonstrate the impact of 988 in Oregon, and the start of a new public awareness campaign, “988 Oregon: Connect to Hope.”
By increasing awareness and understanding of 988 in Oregon, OHA aims to promote and improve access to support and care.
Providers and community partners can find campaign materials, opportunities to get involved, and receive free technical assistance to promote 988 in their communities at www.Oregon988.org.
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By Conor Foley, Tobacco Prevention & Education Program Coordinator
 Marion County’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) wrapped up another round of successful community partner funding in June 2025. This funding opportunity focused on developing targeted tobacco prevention communication projects to address the impacts of tobacco use and promote resources for quitting.
The TPEP team worked with three community-based organizations for this project: Raices de Bienestar, Language Link, and the Micronesian Islander Community of Oregon (MIC).
Raices de Bienestar is a local non-profit organization that provides culturally-grounded mental health services and programs for the Latine community. They used their experience working in mental health and collaborated with a community advisory committee to develop two Spanish- language posters focused on self-care techniques and alternatives to tobacco use for managing stress.
Language Link is a local community organization whose mission is “to provide culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate and science-based information, and translation services to the Slavic/Eastern European community members in order to empower them and help them thrive.” Language Link built on their previous collaborative tobacco prevention project with Marion County to conduct a months-long Russian-language tobacco prevention media campaign. The campaign utilized both print and broadcast media, including the popular Afisha magazine and Slavic Family Radio.
MIC is a local non-profit organization that supports and advocates for members of the Micronesian Islander community. They have partnered with Marion County on tobacco prevention efforts on several occasions. For this project, they created several PSAs on the harmful impact of betel nut, a stimulant often used in conjunction with tobacco in the Micronesian Islander community. All of their communication materials were made available in English, Chuukese, and Marshallese.
2025-26 School Resource Guide Now Available!
Marion County Health Educators are available to support, partner, and provide technical assistance to teachers and administrators. Our resource guide features free resources and curricula available to promote healthy behaviors and prevent drug, alcohol, problem gambling, suicide, tobacco, and vaping.
Scan QR Code or click here for a digital copy of our resource guide.
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The latest data is in, and it’s shedding light on the health and well-being of Marion County youth! The 2025 Student Health Survey, conducted by the Oregon Health Authority, offers a powerful snapshot of what our students are facing and how we can better support them. This data plays a key role in shaping our local prevention and education efforts. Click here to dive into the results and see how this data will help drive meaningful change in our community! |
Youth Voice Launches in Marion County – Empowering Teens to Lead Change
 Something exciting is happening in Marion County! The Youth Voice initiative has officially arrived, bringing together passionate teens from all corners of the county to make a real difference in their schools and communities.
Recruitment for Youth Voice began last school year and wrapped up just a couple of months ago, bringing together a diverse group of motivated students ready to lead. The youth participants are the driving force behind the group’s mission. The Marion County Prevention Team recognizes the importance of uplifting youth perspectives and empowering them to lead their peers in spreading powerful prevention messages.
In this first year, Youth Voice members will shape the group's future from the ground up. They'll create agendas, design impactful projects, and help welcome the next wave of youth leaders. Students who remain in high school can continue into a second year, ensuring continuity and mentorship between group members.
The focus? Building real-life skills and tackling the challenges that matter most. Youth Voice will lead projects that focus on preventing substance use, including tobacco, vaping, alcohol, opioids, as well as addressing problem gambling. They will also promote mental health, environmental resiliency, and overall well-being.
The group officially kicked off in late May with a meet-and-greet between youth, their families, and program staff. In August, a planning session brought everyone together to finalize paperwork and get energized for the upcoming school year.
Youth Voice is ready to hit the ground running and they’re counting on community support to keep the momentum going. Let’s amplify their voices and back their mission for a healthier, stronger Marion County!
For more information or to recommend a young person to participate: Contact Marie Little at mlittle@co.marion.or.us
By Michael Keuler, MCHHS Environmental Health Resiliency Coordinator
On April 1, 2025, Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS) announced that 10 non-profit organizations would receive special one-time funding. The goal: to strengthen vulnerable communities’ emergency preparedness and resilience to extreme heat and poor air quality. This effort jump- started the 2025-2030 Marion County Climate and Health Adaptation Plan. Grant funding ranging from $12,500-$25,000 was provided by the Oregon Health Authority and had to be spent by June 30. With little time to spare, the following organizations developed unique and impactful local projects to improve resilience in Marion County.
Northwest Human Services had a Registered Nurse and a Community Health Worker meet people experiencing homeless in Salem, providing heat and wildfire smoke education. They also distributed 622 heat- and smoke-related items, including cooling towels, summer hats, summer safety information, masks, water, Gatorade mix, and more.
Their efforts will continue throughout the summer with increased capacity to help neighbors experiencing homelessness and summer hazards.
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Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos partnered with Willamette University to study how heat affects farmworkers in the Woodburn area. Farmworker participants received an easy-to-read heat, humidity, and PM2.5 monitor and joined focus groups to learn about extreme heat and wildfire smoke, while also sharing their on-the-job experiences.
What they found: farmworkers often experienced workday temperatures more than 20°F higher than the National Weather Service's reported online temperatures. Many participants described cultural strategies to combat extreme heat at work and home, but reported having few strategies to address poor air quality. As part of their participation, farmworkers received air filtration devices for home protection. Centro looks to continue strengthening resilience for farmworkers.
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Glava’s House provided Russian-language information and resources to elders and families in the Russian Old Believer community. Through a community forum in partnership with Marion County staff, 50 community members received education in Russian, along with air purifiers and emergency preparedness kits. This effort also helped built trust between the community and government partners.
In addition, culturally appropriate outreach through radio, flyers, phone calls, and one-on-one conversations reached more than 1,500 individuals in collaboration with various organizations. In total, 248 individuals received emergency preparedness materials and/or air filtration. Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive!
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Creating Opportunities produced accessible “Stay Cool” videos in English and Spanish and distributed 100 “Stay Cool” kits, which were in high demand among local residents with developmental disabilities. Each kit included a swamp-cooler style room air conditioner, an electric misting fan, a misting water bottle, and cooling towels. An additional 50 “Mini Cooling Kits” were distributed to ARCHES families along with extreme heat flyers. This funding also inspired ongoing education through cooling mist stations at summer community resource events. If you see them at a community event, be sure to stop by their tent to cool off and say hello!
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Oregon L.E.A.D. conducted five bilingual community workshops in central Marion County on extreme heat preparedness and emergency response, reaching 35-60 people at each session. Smaller workshops were also held in Gervais, Mt. Angel, and Stayton. Workshops were conducted in English, Spanish, and Mixteco. In total, 100 emergency kits, 500 Emergency Pocket Plans, and 1000 bilingual flyers were distributed to agricultural worksites and community events. altogether, 632 individuals were reached through workshops, with many more engaged through events, flyer distribution, and health fairs.
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Seed of Faith Ministries CRAWL hosted a Community Spring Fling event in May, drawing 200 community members who received heat-related educational materials and “Go Bags” with cooling solutions and air filters. They also provided educational workshops in June for at-risk community members.
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Center for Hope and Safety purchased 36 portable power stations, 36 air purifiers, and 62 fans to support emergency shelter residents during crises. They anticipate that more than 300 survivors of domestic violence and their children will benefit from these resources in the coming years.
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Shangri-La installed a generator at Friendship House to ensure that air conditioning, air purification, and medical devices remain powered during extreme weather conditions. This location is crucial for supporting up to 10 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, summer heat health and safety education was provided to all residents, staff, and others in the Shangri-La network.
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Santiam Hospital funded a Community Health Worker (CHW) in their Emergency Department to reduce unnecessary visits, increase patient self-care, and strengthen resilience and preparedness. The CHW provided education and outreach to rural populations, serving 45 patients and participating in seven community events to improve emergency preparedness and community resilience. More positive results are yet to come!
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Nurturely launched its Climate Resiliency in the Perinatal Period program for professionals and families. Much of this work will take place over the next 12 months. Perinatal professionals can join a training series to increase climate-resilient practices (register here for complimentary access to the next cohort starting in January 2026). In addition, Nurturely will host nature walks for families and community members across Marion County, as well as an Environatal Symposium in April 2026. These opportunities will build disaster-readiness, strengthen climate resilience, and foster connections to nature. More information to come!
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Overall, thousands of Marion County residents have benefited, and will continue to benefit, from the funding these 10 organizations received. Their projects, along with the expertise, knowledge, and dedication of their staff, are addressing the unique challenges of Marion County’s diverse populations. While many challenges and barriers remain, collaboration and the strategic use of resources for community good are strengthening resilience. Together, this is only the beginning of what's to come from the 2025-2030 Marion County Climate and Health Adaptation Plan!
Alcohol and Other Drugs
HB 3321 directs the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) to develop a state primary prevention strategy. “Primary prevention” means practices, programs, and policies designed to prevent, delay, and reduce the incidence and prevalence of youth substance use. This includes conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing primary prevention programs, whether school-based or offered by youth-serving agencies, and identifying existing gaps in the provider workforce for youth in need of substance use disorder treatment.
HB3321 also directs the ADPC, in collaboration with Oregon Health and Science University, to provide technical assistance to providers of youth substance use disorder treatment and early intervention.
To learn more, visit the Oregon State Legislature Legislative Information Page for HB 3321: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB3321/Enrolled
2025 Oregon Legislative Session Recap
The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session officially ended on June 27, 2025, and we now have clarity on the fate of the public health bills being considered this session. Below, we highlight a few of the tobacco-related bills that passed, as well as several potentially consequential bills that did not.
Tobacco
Passed: HB 3940 – Tax on Oral Nicotine to Fund Wildfire Protection
- Imposes a tax on the distribution of oral nicotine products (nicotine pouches like “Zyn”): $0.65 per package containing 20 or fewer units, $0.325 per consumable unit (rounded to nearest whole cent) for packages with more than 20 units.
- The measure distributes one-third of revenues to the Landscape Resiliency Fund and two-thirds to Community Risk Reduction Fund.
Passed: SB 1005 – Age Verification
- This law allows private entities to swipe a driver's license or identification card to verify a person’s age when offering a service with age restrictions - regardless of how old the person appears.
Did not pass: SB 702 – Ends Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
- This bill would have ended the sale of flavored tobacco products and flavored inhalant delivery systems. It also proposed regulating nicotine in any form, natural or synthetic.
Did not pass: HB 2528 – Closing Tobacco Prevention Loopholes
- This bill would have amended the definition of tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems (vapes) to include nicotine derived from any source. It also proposed taxing tobacco products containing nicotine from any source. Currently, many newer products such as vapes and nicotine pouches, use synthetically derived nicotine, which is not taxed in the same way as traditional tobacco products.
In honor of pets being health heroes, the Prevention Team at Marion County Health and Human Services is highlighting their amazing pets.
Meet Jolene, an 8-year-old Siberian Forest cat who belongs to Laura Sprouse, our Zero Suicide Program Coordinator. Laura adopted Jolene in 2022 after she was found abandoned by her previous owner in a Salem park. At 14 pounds, Jolene is a sassy, hilarious diva who is adored by her family (including Laura’s toddler twins, who Jolene is learning to tolerate). Part orange cat, Jolene shares one collective brain cell with all other orange cats, which means she often daydreams and is exceptionally uncoordinated for a cat. She loves to snuggle, give kisses, do cat yoga, and sleep (and shed) on clean laundry. Her family is grateful to have her in their home and to give her the life and love she deserves.
Marion County Health Promotion & Prevention will highlight a variety of programs and health topics in our upcoming newsletter to keep you informed about key health promotion issues.
The next edition will be released during the first week of November 2025. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, please let us know by emailing us at the address below.
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